Parisian interiors: How to create the chic aesthetic

the character Emily from Emily in Paris in a pink ruffled dress against a Parisian backdrop

Drumroll: the entertaining Netflix show Emily in Paris is back on our screens for a third series. So if you’ve been fantasising about the dreamy Parisian interiors, here’s how to get the look.

Our favourite bingeable Netflix show, Emily in Paris, has returned for its third series. So we can once again immerse ourselves in the beauty of iconic Parisian interiors, architecture and fashion. Love or loathe the storyline around Emily’s wild love life? No matter. If you share an appreciation for all things Parisian, get ready for some serious style inspiration.

The exploits of Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) and the rest of the cast might seem a little extravagant. But their sophisticated Parisian interiors are more than achievable. Below, five interior experts offer their top tips on how to bring iconic, 2023 Parisian style into your home…

1: Firstly, keep it neutral

Firstly, while Emily’s fashion choices may be bright and bold, the colours of Parisian interiors are less so. Because most of the spaces incorporate muted shades of white, beige and blue. However, the use of subtle prints and patterns can add character, whether on a living room drape or cosy bedding.

Lucy Ackroyd, Head of Design at Christy, says: “Add a touch of ooh là là to your bedroom. Keep the style classy and sophisticated in typical French fashion. Like Emily, choose a neutral or light colour palette using creams, whites and blush pinks with subtle prints in your duvet design.

“Have a striking backdrop, such as the iconic straw-fan headboard featured in the Netflix series? Then don’t go over the top with accessories. Instead, try a simple lightweight throw at the end of the bed and no more than two cushions. This should do the trick.”

a Parisian bedroom featuring a white and neutral toned bed with a wooden bedside table and black table lamp
Parisian interiors are neutral and chic. Photography: Christy.

“If you’re dreaming of cosy Parisian evenings and lazy Sunday mornings, keep your sheets crisp and clean for an instant feeling of luxury. Opt for pure cotton, high thread count linen which will help regulate temperature and moisture levels. Plus, it will feel much smoother against the skin than synthetic offerings.”

2: Secondly, add texture to the room

Secondly, fans went wild for Emily’s aforementioned woven fan headboard in the first series. However, it would take some serious DIY skills to recreate. You can get the same effect by adding a textured top to your bed. 

a Parisian bedroom featuring a wooden white bed with textured headboard and white furniture with black handles
Channel the Parisian interiors vibe by adding a textured top to your bed. Photography: Time4Sleep.

Jonathan Warren, spokesperson at bed specialist Time4Sleep, suggests: “Opt for a wooden bed frame with a rattan headboard. This will create a timeless, elegant look, while giving a nod to stylish, contemporary Parisian interiors.

“The soft curved edges of the headboard will help achieve an element of luxury. While the white exterior maintains a level of versatility, adding brightness to the room. To give the room a breath of playfulness, add some bold and patterned soft furnishings. This will work to add some depth to the room and complete the modern, classic finish.”

Tip 3: Play around with voile to channel Parisian interiors

Emily may no longer be working in the Savoir office. But you can still get the look by opting for light, airy drapes to keep your space soft and comfortable.

Amy Wilson, interior designer for 247 Blinds and 247 Curtains, gave us her advice. “The Parisians seem to be big fans of dramatic floor-to-ceiling window dressings. With their iconic tall French windows it looks great, but can also work on a smaller opening. It adds elegance and charm to any room, while creating a cosy and stylish space, giving the nod to Parisian interiors.”

a shot of the character Sylvie Grateau in the Netflix series Emily in Paris, sitting at her desk looking stern
Photography: Pinterest.

“The modern approach is to go lighter with your window dressings. Think bright and breezy with a patterned voile or light cotton, like in Sylvie’s office. Do you prefer the more traditional, dramatic style, seen in some of the restaurant scenes? Then opt for fuller drapes in a thicker fabric like velvet or chenille in gorgeous deep shades of red or purple.”

Tip 4: Plenty of panelling

A major feature in the Savoir and Pierre Cadault offices is the modern take on traditional French panelling. 

Maryanne Cartwright, Head of Design at luxury wallpaper and paint brand Graham and Browngave us this tip. “You can’t get much more Parisian than panelled walls, or ‘boiserie’, being a feature of the majority of the city’s apartments!

“Reaching into the luxurious realm of chateau style, panelling has been around for centuries. This makes it a timeless – and effortlessly chic – Parisian interiors trend. Adorning your walls with panelling is an incredibly effective way to add visual interest to your room. Especially when keeping to a neutral colour palette.

“While this form of moulding is uncommon in most British homes, getting the look is easier than you might think! Opt for a panelled wallpaper mural to add instant grandeur to your room. This trompe l’oeil design is perfect for embodying the subtle yet dramatic look, which is quintessential to Parisian design.”

a large empty Parisian style room featuring white panelled interiors and a herringbone oak floor
Wall panelling graces all Parisian interiors, from big houses to apartments. Photography: iStock / Brasil2.

Tip 5: Be bold with brass for a Parisian interiors vibe

Parisian interiors seem to be littered with brass. From doorknobs to decorations, it’s a great way to add accents to your interiors.

Paul McFadyen, metals specialist and Chief Executive at metals4U, says: “Adding metal accents can really add style to the look of a home.”

Brass is a really popular metal at the moment. It’s inexpensive, timeless and great for incorporating a warm, golden finish. Brass looks fabulous across all rooms in the house and plays really well with other colours.

“Alternatively, aluminium will give you a brilliant silver shine. Or, if a darker metallic is more to your taste, then copper could be a great choice. Just ensure you use correct metal polish for maintenance and upkeep. This will keep the material clean and vibrant over time.”

the character Emily in the Netflix series Emily in Paris, sitting in front of an open window wearing a pink ruffled dress
Photography: Netflix.

So, do you love taking design inspo from Netflix shows? Then find out how to get the look of the glam interiors in Selling Sunset.

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